A vegetable is the edible parts of plants that are not considered to be a culinary fruit, nut, herb, spice, or grain. Unlike fruits, the term vegetable is not considered scientific, but rather came to be through culinary and cultural tradition.

Vegetables are generally broken down into these categories:

Buds: capers

Bulbs: onions and garlic

Flower buds: cauliflower and broccoli

Fruits: pumpkins, squash

Leaf/Shoots: collards, ramps

Roots and tubers: carrots and potatoes

Seeds: corn

Sprouts: bean sprouts

So is a tomato a fruit or a veggie?

We all know the debate! Is a tomato really a fruit, or really a vegetable? Well, scientifically speaking, it’s as fruity as fruit can get. But, for culinary purposes, it is used as a vegetable due to its savory over sweet taste. So, it’s up to you how you want to stand with tomatoes the next time the debate pops up. Play devil’s advocate, or accept that tomatoes are indeed, scientifically fruit.